Feb 9 2007

Paul Collingwood’s second consecutive hundred led England to victory over Australia in the first Commonwealth Bank Series final in Melbourne.

The 30-year-old hit an unbeaten 120, his highest score in one-day internationals, to guide his side to a four-wicket victory at the MCG.

Fittingly, he finished things when he struck Nathan Bracken through midwicket for a single in the final over of the match.

A late stutter threatened to derail England’s bid but, with 25 needed from the final three overs, Collingwood took responsibility.

Twice in as many balls he shovelled boundaries to the legside off Shane Watson to alter the balance.

And with veteran Paul Nixon beavering away at the other end to rotate the strike, he drove another four down the ground off Glenn McGrath to leave four needed from seven deliveries.

Source: icwales.co.uk

Close game, the Aussie's will bounce back in game 2

I don`t mind them bouncing back in game 2, as long as in game 3 they get beat.

England Beat Australia In One Day Final

England reign Down Under
11 Feb 07

Commonwealth Bank Series - Second Final
Sydney
England 246-8 Innings Complete (P D Collingwood 70) v Australia 152-8
England beat Australia by 34 runs (D/L Method)

England claimed the Commonwealth Bank Series title with a 34-run win against Australia in a rain-affected second final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

A tour that just over a week ago looked set to be remembered as an unmitigated disaster ended in glory as Paul Collingwood inspired England to their fourth consecutive victory and a 2-0 scoreline in the best-of-three finals.

The Durham batsman, fresh from a match-winning century in the first final on Friday, compiled a patient innings of 70 and then claimed two wickets as Australia collapsed in pursuit of a target that was twice revised due to rain interruptions.

Australia's top order imploded in pursuit of an initial target of 247 that was eventually revised to 211 from 33 overs following two weather interruptions.

Sky Sports